William (Bill) Thomas Starr, 65, of Cortland, went to be with our Lord on October 1, 2023, after a 4-year battle with Kidney Cancer. Born January 10, 1958 in Cortland, Bill was the son of Floyd W. Starr Jr. and Rosemary Kohlman Starr. Bill attended Cortland Schools, graduating from Cortland High School in 1976.Bill went on to Franklin Pierce College in NH to study business. After two years, Bill transferred to Northern Arizona Universityat Flagstaff where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Solar Energy. After college, Bill worked in the petroleum industry for several years while living in Cody,WY and Grand Junction, CO. Bill moved back to the Cortland area in 1984 to be closer to family and to take a job at ETL (Intertek). Bill held several positions in his 29 years at ETL, culminating as the Director of Follow Up Services. In this position, Bill established regional certification centers in Hong Kong and Stockholm to support ETL certification globally. When Bill’s division moved to Chicago, he opted to stay in Cortland in order to care for his parents, which he did faithfully. Bill was lucky enough to start working for McNeil and Company as a Data Analytics Specialist and did so for the past ten years. Bill thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of a new career and considered himself blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such a dedicated, supportive, and caring group of people.
Bill always had a love for the outdoors and was an avid skier, hiker, and golfer. It was through skiing where Bill met his wife, Liz, where they both taught skiing at Greek Peak. A few years later, Bill proposed to Liz while on a gondola boat in Venice, Italy, and they were married for almost 31 years. Bill and Liz raised two beautiful girls, Kathleen and Margaret, with Bill attending almost every one of their concerts, dance recitals, hooleys, sporting events and activities. Bill’s children were his greatest pride and joy.
Bill was a humble man with a great sense of humor, and an easy-going demeanor. Bill was caring, kind and a trusted friend. Bill’s friendships were very important to him. Every year, for over 40years,Bill and his childhood friends would go on a camping trip to the Adirondack’s, fondly known as, “The Man Trip.” This unique experience held a very special place in Bill’s heart and kept a strong bond among his friends.
Bill volunteered his time as a current longtime Commissioner with the City Wastewater Treatment Board and as a current City of Cortland Fire Commissioner; roles he was honored to serve in. Bill was a Level ll certified ski instructor and member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America, having taught skiing for almost 30 years. Bill was a past member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church. Bill was dedicated to his faith, which strengthened all aspects of his life.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Floyd (2022) and Rosemary (2015). Bill is survived by his wife, Liz, daughters, Kathleen of Denver, CO and Margaret of Cortland. Siblings, Richard (Suzanna) Starr of Williamsburg, VA, Janet Starr of Cortland, and Karen Starr of Richmond, VA. Mother-in-law, Barbara Eberst, brother in-law, James Eberst, both of Freeport, NY, sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Michael Galano, of Asbury Park, NJ, several nieces, nephews, and close friends.
The family will be present to receive friends on Friday, October 6th from 5-8 PM, in the chapel of Riccardi Funeral Home 69 N. Main Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday,October 7th at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Prayers of committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Bill’s memory are asked to please consider St. Mary’s Parochial School, 61 N. Main Street, Cortland, NY.
